What Do Disc Golf Disc Flight Numbers Mean? – A Guide to Disc Features

Choosing the right disc in disc golf significantly impacts your throw's success. Every disc golf disc has four flight numbers that describe its behavior in the air. Speed, glide, turn, and fade help players find discs that best suit their playing style and improve their performance on the course. In this article, we'll explain what disc flight numbers mean and how you can use them to choose the perfect disc.

📌Tip: In our online store, you can search for discs based on their flight numbers!

Speed – How It Affects Power and Flight Path

Speed is rated on a 1–14 scale and indicates the disc’s aerodynamic design and the amount of power needed to achieve its optimal flight.

• 1–3: Putters – Easy to control, ideal for short throws and putting.
• 4–5: Midranges and Approach Discs – Shorter and more precise throws.
• 6–8: Fairway Drivers – A balance of distance and control.
• 9–14: Distance Drivers – Require a powerful throw and are best suited for experienced players.

📌 Tip: Beginners should start with slower discs (speed 5–8) because they are easier to control and provide better accuracy.

Glide – Longer Throws with Less Effort

Glide, rated from 1 to 7, measures how well a disc stays in the air. Discs with higher glide require less power to travel long distances.

• Low Glide (1–3): More stable flight, better control in windy conditions.
• High Glide (4–7): Longer flight and easier to achieve good distances.

📌 Tip: Beginners benefit from high-glide discs (5–7), as they allow longer flights with less power.

Turn – How the Disc Moves at the Start of the Flight

Turn is rated from +1 to -5 and describes how much the disc turns to the right during the initial phase of the flight (for right-hand backhand throws).

• Overstable (+1): Resists turning, good for headwinds and controlled throws.
• Stable (0): Flies mostly straight or slightly stable.
• Understable (-2 to -5): Turns right more easily, making it great for beginners and distance throws.

📌 Tip: Beginners should use understable discs (-2 to -5), as they help achieve longer and more controlled throws.

Fade – How the Disc Curves at the End of Its Flight

Fade, rated 0–6, describes how much the disc curves left at the end of the flight (for right-hand backhand throws).

• Low Fade (0–2): Flies straighter until the end.
• High Fade (3–5): Strong left curve at the end, useful for control and forehand throws.

📌 Tip: Beginners should use low-fade discs (0–2), as they glide straight for longer without an abrupt curve at the end.

How to Choose the Right Disc Based on Flight Numbers?

✔ Beginners should look for slower, understable discs with high glide, as they provide easier control and longer distances.
✔ Advanced players can benefit from overstable and high-speed discs for more precise and powerful throws.
✔ Flight numbers are not absolute, and discs from different manufacturers may behave slightly differently. Trying out various discs will help you find the best fit for your playing style.

📌 Tip: Also, check out our article: "How to Choose a Disc Golf Disc – A Complete Guide for Beginners and Experienced Players."